Understanding Scleral Lenses

What are scleral lenses?

Scleral lenses are large diameter rigid gas permeable lenses that range from 14 mm to over 20 mm in diameter. They are termed “scleral” lenses because scleral lenses completely cover the cornea (the clear dome of tissue that covers the colored part of the eye) and extend onto the sclera (the white part of the eye that forms the outer wall of the eye).

As large diameter rigid gas permeable lens designs have developed, so have classification systems to describe these lenses. Many of these classification systems are based solely on lens size. However, these lenses could also be classified based upon their fitting characteristics: corneal lenses are supported exclusively by the cornea, and do not extend past the limbus (the junction between the cornea and the sclera). Corneoscleral lenses are supported by both cornea and sclera and extend past the limbus. Mini-scleral and scleral lenses, commonly referred to as scleral lenses, are supported exclusively by the sclera and completely vault the cornea and the limbus.

Why are the advantages of scleral lenses?

Large diameter scleral lenses offer certain advantages over corneal lenses. First, large-diameter lenses may be more comfortable than corneal lenses. The cornea is one of the most highly sensitive tissues in the body. The conjunctiva (soft, clear tissue that lies over the sclera) is much less sensitive than the cornea. Lenses that rest primarily or exclusively on the conjunctiva may induce less sensation than smaller lenses that rest upon the cornea. This is why scleral lenses are extremely comfortable.

In some patients, corneal tissue is damaged. Because scleral lenses do not touch the cornea, the cornea is bathed all day long with preservative free saline to rejuvenate the ocular surface. Scleral lenses extend under the upper and lower lids and rarely dislocate. Scleral lenses demonstrate excellent centration and stability.

Who could potentially benefit from scleral lenses?

Patients with irregular corneas, patients with conditions that affect the tear film, and patients with refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia) who are unable to wear other forms of correction could benefit from scleral lenses.

Conditions such as keratoconus and pellucid marginal corneal degeneration cause irregularity of the cornea. Surgery (keratoplasty, refractive surgery) can also lead to corneal irregularity. If the cornea is not smooth, vision will not be easily correctable with spectacles or most soft contact lenses. Scleral lenses mask this irregularity and allow for improved vision by providing a smooth front surface.

Some patients have disorders that affect the quality or quantity of tears that help to keep the eye’s surface smooth and healthy. Dry eye syndrome, graft vs. host disease, Sjögren’s syndrome, Stevens Johnson syndrome, and neurotrophic keratopathy are examples of such conditions. Some inflammatory conditions, including limbal stem cell deficiency and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, also cause serious damage to the front surface of the eye. Patients who cannot close their lids completely may also experience problems with the health of the surface of the eye. The fluid reservoir beneath a scleral lens may improve comfort, and may allow the corneal surface to heal.

Patients who need visual correction, but are unable to wear other contact lenses, may find scleral lenses more comfortable than other lens designs.

Click on the links below to learn more about the benefits of scleral lenses for the following conditions:

Are scleral lenses new?

Scleral lenses were the first contact lenses described in medical literature in the late 1800s. However, due to manufacturing challenges and the lack of oxygen transmission through early lenses, scleral lenses did not become popular at that time. During the course of the next century, corneal rigid gas permeable lenses and soft contact lenses became increasingly popular.

Corneal rigid gas permeable lenses and soft lenses could not solve some of the problems caused by corneal irregularity and other eye diseases. Scleral lenses gained popularity in the 1980s when high oxygen material became available and could be reliably manufactured with more sophisticated designs.

Scleral Lens
Nomenclature

Disclaimer

The information contained on this website is intended solely for general educational purposes; it is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice relative to your specific medical condition. Always seek the advice of your personal physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition.

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